PAWS receives $40k from PetSmart for spay/neuter program

JACKSON HOLE, WYO – PAWS of Jackson Hole received a donation from PetSmart Charities to help fuel spay and neuter efforts in Teton County, Star Valley, and Teton Valley. With the help of this donation, PAWS of JH will significantly increase its spay and neuter voucher program that serves three local communities and engages 12 veterinarian offices.

PAWS of JH began a spay/neuter voucher program in 2008 in Jackson, Wyo. Since then, the number of unwanted pets in Jackson/Teton County Animal Shelter has been reduced by 40%. PAWS expanded the spay and neuter voucher program to Star Valley and Teton Valley in 2011.

According to the most recent numbers from 2017, PAWS issued 537 vouchers in Star Valley, 332 vouchers in Teton Valley, and 96 vouchers in Jackson last year. Those total at 965 spay and neuter surgeries.

During her productive life, one female cat could have more than 100 kittens. One unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in only six years. Unaltered cats and dogs lead to countless unwanted kittens and puppies that wind up in shelters, or worse they are left to fend for themselves.

The staggering number of feral cats alone, and the rural nature our mountain towns, show the need for further expansion in all communities to see greater spay/neuter success rates.

PAWS of JH said it will use the grant to engage with partners to increase outreach, as well as focus on trapping, neutering and returning (TNR) populations of feral cats.

Amy Romaine, executive director of PAWS of JH, noted that the program’s success to date is largely due to partnerships across three communities.

“We work with veterinarians across county and state lines, and partner with dedicated volunteers, shelters and our local rescue organization to provide free or low-cost spay and neuter services for pets. Reduction in the number of homeless animals is directly related to accessible spay and neuter programs. We are grateful to PetSmart Charities for this investment in our program.”

Jenny Aho, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities, added, “PAWS of Jackson Hole has not only demonstrated an understanding of the needs of local pets but also how best to effectively address those needs. Having identified a need for affordable spay and neuter procedures is a great step in proactively reducing pet homelessness in the area.”